Committee hears evidence on US approach to tackling modern slavery

26 February 2014

The Joint Committee on the draft Modern Slavery Bill takes evidence from Luis CdeBaca, the United States’ Ambassador-at-Large from their Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons. The Ambassador will give evidence on the US approach to tackling modern slavery and lessons for the UK.

Witness

Wednesday 26 February 2014, Committee Room 6, Palace of Westminster

At 9.45am

Luis CdeBaca, the United States’ Ambassador-at-Large from their Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons.

The Committee has called for anyone with an interest to submit evidence to this inquiry: on the content and form of the draft Bill, its likely effectiveness and the contribution it would, if enacted, make to tackling modern slavery. Detailed proposals for alternative wording are also welcome.

The draft Bill proposes to consolidate and simplify existing criminal offences relating to slavery and human trafficking and introduce civil orders to restrict the activity of those involved in or convicted of slavery and trafficking offences. The draft Bill also proposes the appointment of an Anti-Slavery Commissioner to encourage good practice in the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of offences. The draft Bill was published on 16 December 2013 alongside a white paper detailing the Government’s non-legislative approach to modern slavery.

The Committee wishes to hear your views on the draft Bill and any of the issues it raises. Evidence addressing the following questions is particularly welcome:

Would the draft Bill be effective in reducing the incidence of and preventing modern slavery?

Are there other provisions which should be included in the draft Bill?

What non-legislative action needs to be taken to ensure effective implementation of the draft Bill?

Does the draft Bill achieve its objectives effectively and fairly?

Does the draft Bill provide for adequate safeguarding of survivors of slavery and trafficking?

How could the proposals for the Anti-Slavery Commissioner be improved?

The deadline for the submission for written evidence is Monday 10 February